Councils across the region are joining VicHealth in a mission to get children walking, riding and scooting to school as part of the foundation’s annual Walk to School program.

Every October, Walk to School encourages families to get active on the trip to and from school to help children build healthy, life-long habits.

Hindmarsh and Horsham Rural City councils are working with municipal primary schools to deliver a range of activities as part of the program, including sporting activities and designated walking paths.

The Horsham council, in partnership with Wimmera Health Care Group, made the move to install ‘Active Paths’ around Horsham schools.

The Active Paths program uses brightly coloured footpath decals to engage students and create a ‘clear and fun’ journey to school.

Mayor Mark Radford said the decals would be placed at 50-metre increments from each of the schools.

“We want to make walking to school easy and attractive for families,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see all the primary schools within Horsham Rural City Council participating.” 

Hindmarsh Shire Council is also hoping to encourage more children to be active by running competitions at participating schools, organising walking events and hosting sport activities in collaboration with Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.

Mayor Ron Ismay said the Walk to School program was a free, easy and fun way for children to get active and build healthy habits for life.

“Our children are healthier and happier when they’re active every day, and walking to school is a great way to get their activity in,” he said.

“During October, council staff will intermittently visit schools in the morning and those who are walking will get prizes for their effort. And, for the first time, mums and dads will also receive vouchers.

“Last year all of our primary schools participated in this great VicHealth program and we are encouraging them to get involved this year to make Walk to School bigger and better.”

VicHealth acting chief executive Lyn Roberts said the program continued to grow, with more schools taking part.

“Last year more than 140,000 children from more than 750 schools across Victoria took part in Walk to School, travelling the equivalent distance of two return trips to the moon,” she said.

“Helping our children to get active is so important for their health and wellbeing.”

Ms Roberts said people seeking more information could visit the Walk to School website www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au.

The entire October 16, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!